Buenos Aires, Argentina–(Newsfile Corp. – December 27, 2024) – Central Puerto , (NYSE: CEPU) a leader in electricity generation in Argentina, continues to consolidate its investment strategy in the forestry and mining sectors and announces today a strategic investment in the “3 Cruces” lithium mining project, located in the province of Catamarca. This initiative reaffirms the company’s commitment to boost the Argentine mining industry, especially in those projects linked to the production of critical elements for the energy transition, which also represents a significant improvement for the economic and social development of the province of Catamarca. With this investment, Central Puerto acquires a 27.5% stake in the “3 Cruces” project, recognizing its great potential as a future lithium-producing mine in the highest-grade basin discovered in Argentina. This decision is aligned with the company’s vision of focusing on export industries that show high comparative advantages and consolidating itself as a key player in the value chain of electric mobility and renewable energies. Nevado Tres Cruces, Catamarca, Argentina To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11112/235397_2b4c2422542bd8e5_002full.jpg Fernando Bonnet, General Manager of Central Puerto, said: “This investment not only represents an important milestone in Central Puerto’s growth strategy, but also a unique opportunity to promote the development of the southern region of the Province of Catamarca. The “3 Cruces” project will generate quality employment for the inhabitants of the region, promoting economic and social growth. In addition, as part of this project we are committed to contributing all our capacity to collaborate in carrying out this project responsibly, respecting the environment and working closely with local communities”. Lithium is a strategic mineral for the future of energy and mobility, and we are convinced that “3 Cruces” has the potential to become a benchmark project for the region. With this initiative, Central Puerto reaffirms its objective of becoming an essential player, as an Argentine company, in the development of mining in the country and as a protagonist in the challenges posed by the energy transition. About the “3 Cruces” project 3C is a recently discovered high-grade lithium project in Argentina. It is located in the Province of Catamarca, Argentina. Approximately 30 km from the Chilean border and 154km from Fiambala. The company already owns 100% of a total of 27,540 ha adjacent to the 3Q project of the former Neo Lithium Corp., now Zijin Corporation; and controls another 50,000 ha of neighboring areas. Initial work began in December 2023, with the consolidation of mining rights with its epicenter at the Tres Cruces Volcano and the alluvial cone right next to the Tres Quebradas salt flat. The preliminary results of Geophysics also confirm a geology shared with Tres Quebradas, so high grades and low impurities are expected. About Central Puerto S.A.: Central Puerto is a leading company in the production of electricity in Argentina that has 14 generation plants of various technologies, more than 1,600 employees and reaches a 20.13% market share thanks to its operational excellence and profitability. Its mission is to produce electricity in an efficient, sustainable way and in harmony with the environment. At the same time, it seeks to contribute to the supply of demand, managing businesses in a way that creates value not only for the company, but also for society. Currently, it has an installed generation capacity of 6,703 MW. For more information, please visit: www.centralpuerto.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/235397 #distroSurveillance video shows the suspect in the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on a bicycle near West 85th Street in Manhattan after the killing. (Credit: Orwell Management) The speculation regarding the shooting of UnitedHealthCare CEO Brian Thompson continues to run rampant. While this can be interesting, the truth is that the on-the-ground investigation will be far more prosaic than glamorous. For today’s detectives, serious crime investigation marries grinding "shoe leather" work to data-driven digital forensics. It can be a daunting amount of information. As such, let’s look at some hard data points that are likely jumping-off points for investigators who have to play the percentages (and some that are not): 1. ‘Hitmen for hire,’ in the commonly perceived sense, don’t really exist The idea that someone off the street can walk into a social club or call-a-guy-who-knows-a-guy who kills for a living is essentially a myth – I cannot recall one in my experience. That said, murders-for-hire do exist (i.e, an associate who is not a "professional" is willing to hire on). UNITEDHEALTHCARE CEO ASSASSIN LEFT MESSAGE BEHIND TO 'MAKE A STATEMENT' OR 'THROW OFF POLICE': DETECTIVES But the speculation as to whether the shooter was a "professional" or not is beside the point – the police don’t care. What they care about now are hard data points that can identify the shooter. The professional status of the killer is, at best, a flourish if the case reaches trial. Surveillance footage released by the NYPD shows the alleged suspect wanted for the shooting death of UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson in Midtown Manhattan on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. (NYPD) 2. The timeline is key Currently – and this is unsurprising – the tip line regarding the case is blowing up. But what detectives are most focused on are the indicators they can depend on, like: How did the shooter know that Thompson would show up for an 8:00 a.m. conference at 6:40 a.m.? Did the shooter have some access to Thompson’s schedule or movements? Recall that the shooter apparently "posted up" near the shooting location just minutes before the shooting. Was there an accomplice surveilling Thompson as he left his nearby hotel? Is that who the shooter was on the phone with, in the still photo NYPD released? And further to that question... 3. How did the shooter so instantly recognize Thompson? The shooter was along the building line across the street when Thompson came up the block. Video shows the shooter apparently recognizing Thompson from what must be at least 60 feet, in twilight, early-morning conditions. Again: How did he know Thompson was coming? Thompson was of a fairly commonplace build and appearance. How was he so sure this was his intended target? Particularly since he approaches Thompson from behind? It doesn’t seem likely that this could be done from a reference photo. One thing we can conclude: Thompson was the target – the messages on the shell casings left at the scene, whether a false flag or not, confirm this. 4. Digital data will be key The police reportedly recovered a phone in the alleyway "cut-through" that the shooter fled through from West 54th to West 55th Street. Was the shooter really that careless? If he was – and he did indeed make the phone call indicated by the still photo – this is crucial information. Legal processes will allow for search warrants to obtain the digital information to indicate who that call was to and the number it originated from (even if it was a disposable phone). While that may not lead to the shooter’s name, it could lead to all his activity on the burner phone – and to associates of the shooter who will almost certainly reveal his identity, either through interviews or simple context. A screenshot from surveillance footage released by the NYPD shows an alleged person of interest wanted in connection of the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Midtown Manhattan on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. (NYPD Crime Stoppers ) Additionally, the shooter reportedly took an Uber at least once during his 10-day stay in the city. Uber accounts link to credit cards. Did he use his actual card? Even if he used a stolen card, if he took other Uber trips, his pattern can be ascertained. And as the shooter appears to have his flight path well-planned out, there is also the likelihood that he had previously walked that route. Is there video of him doing that before the shooting? Was his phone on during those walks? 5. Facial recognition is indeed important At this writing, with good face images of the shooter out there, many observers express frustration that he (if indeed the shooter is male) has not been at least identified. But: he may well have been, and the police have made the determination that they are more likely to apprehend him without revealing that they know his identity and/or likely whereabouts. This is especially true if they believe he has accomplices. The use of facial recognition software has likely already been important, as clear facial photos such as those reportedly obtained from the youth hostel may well have led to the discovery of the Greyhound bus to get to New York City. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION There are thousands of cameras that police facial recognition technology has access to, and there are many in-and-around midtown’s Port Authority (the location where buses to New York generally arrive to and depart from). Use of facial recognition technology could well lead to software matching the shooter to a public-facing social media or government account. 6. Traditional forensics are important – but perhaps less important just now While fingerprints are great evidence, if the shooter is not already in the system, they will only function here as confirmation (as in, for example, the Jose Ibarra conviction re: Laken Riley). The same goes for DNA. While great evidence at-trial, if the killer’s profile is not already in the CODIS system (the Combined DNA Index System), collected DNA may not help. But recall that in the Idaho case, familial DNA reportedly led to a lead to a family member of the suspect, Bryan Kohberger. If the shooter has a relative in one of the commercial DNA databases, this could lead to him. But it will take time. And as the shooter appears to have his flight path well-planned out, there is also the likelihood that he had previously walked that route. Is there video of him doing that before the shooting? Was his phone on during those walks? There are, of course, many other avenues the police are pursuing – reported threats to Thompson, those protesting against UnitedHealthCare, the unusual gun, the litigation Thompson was reportedly involved in, etc. But in the end, hard-and-fixed jumping off points are the "leads" most important to investigators now. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP And what those of us who opine on this crime should always recall: whatever the outcome, we are discussing the loss of a man’s life – a man with a family – to a cold-blooded murderer. That’s the most important fact underlying the entire case. The good news: it is almost impossible to get away with this sort of thing now, especially in midtown Manhattan. The NYPD will get this perpetrator – a simple matter of time. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FROM PAUL MAURO Paul Mauro is a contributor for FOX News Media providing legal and criminal justice analysis across FOX News Channel and FOX Business Network programming. He joined the network in 2024.
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Clemson vs. San Francisco Predictions & Picks: Spread, Total – November 25President-elect Donald Trump asked the Supreme Court on Friday to pause the potential TikTok ban from going into effect until his administration can pursue a “political resolution” to the issue. The request came as TikTok and the Biden administration filed opposing briefs to the court, in which the company argued the court should strike down a law that could ban the platform by Jan. 19 while the government emphasized its position that the statute is needed to eliminate a national security risk. “President Trump takes no position on the underlying merits of this dispute. Instead, he respectfully requests that the Court consider staying the Act’s deadline for divestment of January 19, 2025, while it considers the merits of this case,” said Trump’s amicus brief, which supported neither party in the case. The filings come ahead of oral arguments on whether the law, which requires TikTok to divest from its China-based parent company or face a ban, unlawfully restricts speech in violation of the First Amendment. Earlier this month, a panel of three federal judges on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit , leading TikTok to appeal the case to the Supreme Court. The brief from Trump said he opposes banning TikTok at this junction and “seeks the ability to resolve the issues at hand through political means once he takes office.”
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) has evolved from a futuristic concept to a transformative force, reshaping industries worldwide. From healthcare and finance to retail and logistics, AI technologies are driving innovation, enhancing efficiency, and enabling organizations to solve complex problems at unprecedented scales. The advent of machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), and neural networks has unlocked new possibilities, allowing machines to mimic human intelligence, make predictions, and adapt to changing environments. The impact of AI is undeniable. It has revolutionized customer experiences through personalization, improved decision-making with predictive analytics, and optimized workflows by automating repetitive tasks. Businesses are increasingly leveraging AI to gain a competitive edge, streamline operations, and address critical challenges such as fraud detection, data security, and market prediction. However, as AI continues to evolve, it brings with it both opportunities and challenges, including ethical concerns, data privacy, and integration complexities. To delve deeper into the transformative power of AI and its future implications, we spoke with Amit Taneja, a distinguished expert in the field. Known for his extensive work in AI-powered solutions, shared his insights on how this technology is shaping industries, particularly in financial services and multi-cloud management. Expert Opinion on AI's Role in Modern Industries Mr. Amit, an expert in Artificial Intelligence and Senior Data Engineer, explains how AI is not just a tool but a strategic enabler for organizations. Speaking about its impact on the financial sector, Taneja highlights, "The financial services industry has always been data-driven, but traditional methods are increasingly inadequate in managing the sheer volume and complexity of data. AI, with its ability to process real-time information, analyzes patterns, and detects anomalies, has become indispensable." He elaborates on key areas where AI is making a difference: The Multi-Cloud Connection Expanding on AI's application beyond finance, Taneja discusses how it is transforming multi-cloud management. "As organizations adopt multi-cloud strategies, AI is essential for optimizing workload allocation, ensuring security, and maintaining compliance. AI-driven cloud-agnostic solutions enable seamless operations across diverse cloud environments, addressing challenges like vendor lock-in and inefficiencies." He draws parallels between financial services and multi-cloud ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of adaptability. "Just as AI helps financial institutions navigate complexity, it empowers businesses in multi-cloud environments to operate with agility and resilience," he explains. Future Trends and Challenges Looking ahead, Taneja predicts significant advancements in explainable AI (XAI) and privacy-preserving techniques. "Explainable AI will make it easier to understand and trust machine-driven decisions, while techniques like federated learning will enhance data security without compromising analytical capabilities," he says. However, he acknowledges the challenges. "Ethical concerns, algorithmic bias, and integration with legacy systems are critical hurdles. Organizations must address these issues to ensure AI's sustainable growth and widespread adoption." Conclusion Artificial Intelligence is no longer a concept confined to science fiction; it is a reality reshaping industries and redefining possibilities. With experts like Amit Taneja leading the charge, the future of AI looks promising, though not without challenges. As businesses continue to embrace this transformative technology, the balance between innovation and responsibility will be critical in harnessing AI's full potential for a better, more inclusive future.
WASHINGTON: President-elect Donald Trump has selected former Senator David Perdue of Georgia to be the U.S. ambassador to China, leaning on a former business executive turned politician to serve as the administration's envoy to America's most potent economic and military adversary. Trump said in a social media post Thursday that Perdue “brings valuable expertise to help build our relationship with China.” Perdue lost his Senate seat to Democrat Jon Ossoff four years ago and ran unsuccessfully in a 2022 primary against Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp. Perdue pushed Trump’s debunked lies about electoral fraud during his failed bid for Georgia governor. During his time in the Senate, Perdue was labeled as “anti-China” in a 2019 Chinese think tank report. The former Georgia lawmaker advocated for a more robust naval force to cope with threats, including from China. Before launching his political career, Perdue held a string of top executive positions, including at Sara Lee, Reebok and Dollar General. Trump has threatened to impose sweeping new tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China as soon as he takes office as part of his effort to crack down on illegal immigration and drugs. He said he would impose a 25% tax on all products entering the country from Canada and Mexico, and an additional 10% tariff on goods from China, as one of his first executive orders. The Chinese Embassy in Washington cautioned earlier this week that there will be losers on all sides if there is a trade war. “China-US economic and trade cooperation is mutually beneficial in nature,” embassy spokesman Liu Pengyu posted on X. “No one will win a trade war or a #tariff war.” He added that China had taken steps in the last year to help stem drug trafficking. In response to Perdue's nomination, Liu on Thursday night said in a statement that China “is ready to engage in dialogue, expand cooperation, and manage differences with the incoming US government so as to maintain stability in China-US relations to the benefits of the two countries and the world at large.” It is unclear whether Trump will actually go through with the threats or if he is using them as a negotiating tactic. The tariffs, if implemented, could dramatically raise prices for American consumers on everything from gas to automobiles to agricultural products. The U.S. is the largest importer of goods in the world, with Mexico, China and Canada its top three suppliers, according to the most recent U.S. Census data. Perdue, if confirmed, will have to negotiate a difficult set of issues that goes beyond trade. Washington and Beijing have long had deep differences on the support China has given to Russia during its war in Ukraine, human rights issues, technology and Taiwan, the self-ruled democracy that Beijing claims as its own. Chinese President Xi Jinping said in a meeting with outgoing President Joe Biden last month that Beijing stood “ready to work with a new U.S. administration." But Xi also warned that a stable China-U.S. relationship was critical not only to the two nations but to the “future and destiny of humanity.” “Make the wise choice,” Xi cautioned during his November meeting with Biden on the sidelines of an international summit in Peru. “Keep exploring the right way for two major countries to get along well with each other.” Trump’s relationship with Xi started well during his first term before becoming strained over disputes about trade and the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic. Trump seems particularly focused on using tariffs as a pressure point on Xi, even threatening he would use tariffs as a cudgel to pressure Beijing to crack down on the production of materials used in making fentanyl in Mexico that is illegally sold in the United States. A second Trump administration is expected to test U.S.-China relations even more than the Republican’s first term when the U.S. imposed tariffs on more than $360 billion in Chinese products. That brought Beijing to the negotiating table, and in 2020, the two sides signed a trade deal in which China committed to improve intellectual property rights and buy an extra $200 billion of American goods. A couple years later, a research group showed that China had bought essentially none of the goods it had promised. Before Trump's return to power, many American companies, including Nike and eyewear retailer Warby Parker, had been diversifying their sourcing away from China. Shoe brand Steve Madden says it plans to cut imports from China by as much as 45% next year. Trump also filled out more of his immigration team on Thursday, as he promises mass deportations and border crackdowns. He said he’s nominating former Border Patrol Chief Rodney Scott to head Customs and Border Protection. Scott, a career official, was appointed head of the border agency in January 2020 and enthusiastically embraced then-President Trump’s policies, particularly on building a U.S.-Mexico border wall. He was forced out by the Biden administration. Trump also said he’d nominate Caleb Vitello as acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the agency that, among other things, arrests migrants in the U.S. illegally. Vitello is a career ICE official with over 23 years in the agency and most recently has been the assistant director for firearms and tactical programs. The president-elect named Brandon Judd, the head of the Border Patrol Union, as ambassador to Chile. Judd has been a longtime supporter of Trump, appearing with him during his visits to the U.S.-Mexico border. He notably supported a Senate immigration bill championed by Biden that Trump sank in part because he didn’t want to give Democrats an election-year win on the issue.